Vaishali Mishra leads strategic communication for the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) as director of communication and advocacy-Asia. She also project-manages the Energy Transitions Innovation Challenge (ENTICE), GEAPP’s initiative dedicated to incentivising innovations at scale for energy transition through access to funding, market linkages and mentorship for clean energy entrepreneurs.
“I joined GEAPP at its inception, and it has been a wonderful experience,” says Mishra. “It feels meaningful to be part of a collective movement that is working to unlock green energy access to secure an inclusive and resilient future for all. I get to collaborate with passionate individuals coming with diverse experiences to see energy transitions from a more holistic and inclusive lens. I also get to meet remarkable and powerful women who are taking charge of building a better future for all.”
Prior to this, she led communications at Smart Power India, a subsidiary of the Rockefeller Foundation. She has also worked with organisations such as the Commonwealth Secretariat, the World Bank and the Microfinance Institutions Network in capacities ranging from project management to communication and marketing.
Having been actively involved in the energy sector, she has closely witnessed the growth of India’s renewable energy sector and believes it holds tremendous promise. As per the REN21 Renewables 2022 Global Status Report, India holds fourth position globally in installed renewable capacity, wind capacity and solar capacity. While the potential is undeniable, continuous efforts are needed to meet the ambitious 2030 targets. India must prioritise the exponential expansion of its storage systems and enhance its distribution infrastructure to facilitate the energy transition, Mishra believes. Investments in battery energy storage systems and distributed renewables must be amplified to meet the escalating power demand. Organisations such as GEAPP can play a pivotal role in expediting this transition and supporting innovative solutions. Building on collaborative efforts with diverse stakeholders is also important for a successful transition to clean energy.
A graduate in mass communication and media from Delhi University, Mishra also has a master’s in international journalism from City, University of London, where she was awarded the Commonwealth scholarship. She is a trained Odissi dancer and a sports lover. “I play tennis and basketball and enjoy watching cricket. I also like reading autobiographies,” she says.
